1987 UCLA vs. Washington rivalry game

1987 UCLA vs. Washington rivalry game. The 1987 UCLA vs. Washington rivalry game was a highly anticipated matchup between the UCLA Bruins and the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, featuring notable players like Troy Aikman and Rick Mirer. This game was part of the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season and had significant implications for the Pac-10 Conference standings, with teams like USC, Arizona, and California also vying for top spots. The game was broadcast on ABC Sports, with commentators like Keith Jackson and Frank Broyles providing play-by-play analysis.

● Introduction

The 1987 UCLA vs. Washington rivalry game was a crucial matchup in the Pac-10 Conference schedule, pitting two of the top teams in the conference against each other. The UCLA Bruins, led by coach Terry Donahue, were looking to build on their successful 1985 season and 1986 season, which included wins over teams like Nebraska and Oklahoma. The Washington Huskies, under the guidance of coach Don James, were seeking to rebound from a disappointing 1986 season and prove themselves as a contender in the conference, alongside teams like Michigan and Texas. The game featured a number of notable players, including Troy Aikman, Rick Mirer, and Tim McDonald, who would go on to have successful careers in the National Football League with teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers.

● Game Summary

The game was played on October 24, 1987, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, in front of a crowd of 71,338 fans, including notable alumni like Warren Moon and Hugh McElhenny. The UCLA Bruins came out strong, scoring 17 points in the first half behind the play of Troy Aikman and Gaston Green, who would later play for teams like the New York Jets and Denver Broncos. The Washington Huskies struggled to move the ball, managing only 10 points in the first half, despite the efforts of players like Rick Mirer and Greg Lewis, who would later play for teams like the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. In the second half, the UCLA Bruins continued to dominate, scoring 10 more points to secure a 27-17 victory, with notable contributions from players like Carnell Lake and Dennis Byrd, who would later play for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets.

● Aftermath and Legacy

The 1987 UCLA vs. Washington rivalry game had significant implications for the Pac-10 Conference standings, with the UCLA Bruins moving into first place in the conference, ahead of teams like USC and Arizona. The Washington Huskies dropped to third place in the conference, behind teams like California and Oregon. The game also had implications for the NCAA rankings, with the UCLA Bruins moving up to 10th in the country, alongside teams like Notre Dame and Oklahoma. The game marked a turning point in the season for both teams, with the UCLA Bruins going on to win the Pac-10 Conference championship and the Washington Huskies finishing the season with a disappointing 6-5 record, despite the efforts of players like Warren Moon and Hugh McElhenny.

● Team Statistics

The UCLA Bruins dominated the game statistically, outgaining the Washington Huskies 417-273 in total yards, with notable contributions from players like Troy Aikman and Gaston Green, who would later play for teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. The UCLA Bruins also controlled the time of possession, holding the ball for 32:45 compared to the Washington Huskies' 27:15, with notable contributions from players like Carnell Lake and Dennis Byrd, who would later play for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. The UCLA Bruins' defense was also impressive, holding the Washington Huskies to just 17 points, with notable contributions from players like Tim McDonald and Greg Lewis, who would later play for teams like the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots.

● Notable Players and Coaches

The 1987 UCLA vs. Washington rivalry game featured a number of notable players and coaches, including Troy Aikman, Rick Mirer, and Terry Donahue, who would go on to have successful careers in the National Football League with teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers. Troy Aikman would go on to win the Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys, while Rick Mirer would have a successful career with the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears. Terry Donahue would go on to become a successful coach in the National Football League, working with teams like the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets. Other notable players and coaches involved in the game included Don James, Warren Moon, and Hugh McElhenny, who would later be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, alongside players like Joe Montana and Walter Payton.

Category:1987 NCAA Division I-A football season